Electronic

(Depeche Mode, Orbital, Kraftwerk)

Oh!Hello: Spooky

Oh!Hello's follow-up to their delightful EP Beachy, is a curious thing. Originally a solo project, this Portland, Oregon band is composed of frontman Michael Todd Berland, Jordan Strickland and Nate Morse. They have already collaborated with other NW bands such as Grifflin Taylor (Faire du Surf) and Ed Hanson (Greate Horned Owl). Their latest set Spooky is a seven-track album released last October 27 and recorded under Vampire Factory.

Snowmine: Laminate Pet Animal

Seldom do you encounter a band that has a distinct music palette, but Snowmine delivers more than that. Released last May 3, Laminate Pet Animal is made up of nine genre-bending tracks that live up to the band's eclectic music. Hailing from Brooklyn, the five piece collective composed of Grayson Sanders, Austin Mendenhall, Alex Beckmann, Jay Goodman and Calvin Pia have captured the attention of culture bloggers with their beautifully-arranged music. The kind of music that reminds you of The Smiths and the Yeasayer.

Thefft: The Primer EP

The newest release from ambient electronic netlabel, Cut Records, is from Thefft. It seems the artist has been brewing underground for awhile and now he's ready to show off his skills with his EP, The Primer. Much of the hype is warranted though as the album skillfully intertwines beats, bass and synths to create a delightful fusion fit for some good old dancing in a bar or club. The man behind all the glorious beats is Jack Robertson aka. Thefft. Although he's not a full newcomer, he's definitely making the rounds this time and causing a stir. Born in London, he's currently based in New York, creating and producing sonic tracks that are worthy of a listen.

Nueva Noventa: Colors

A product of years of work and countless rehearsals; Colors by Nueva Noventa contains a lushness that only time could have filled and created. Nueva Noventa is a four piece indie rock crew from Santiago, Chile. Their sound focuses on indie pop rock but also introduces elements of electronica once in awhile. There's nothing much out there about the band or the members themselves. It seems they're among the few bands who like to let their sound do all the talking instead. Frankly, this works just fine as their music is capable of communicating and reaching out to its audience.

Vernon Lenoir: The Rites of Sausage

For times when all you need is a funky and quirky party album, pop over Vernon Lenoir's The Rites of Sausage and you should be good to go. This crazy party album mixes loud beats, 8-bit pixel goodness and a dose of remade pop culture. The super talented composer/ sampling-genius has released several compilations from various netlabels like UpItUp, VM Recordings, and Ego Twister. This time around, he ventures over to Chinstrap Records and unloads his genius samples via The Rites of Sausage. From the Macarena to Inspector Gadget, the record is a sure mix of funky goodness.

The New Mystikal Troubadours: Second Spring

Made up of duo, Dave Gibson and Matt Persinzki; The New Mysitkal Troubadours will help complete your relaxing afternoon with its trippy and soothing folk sound. Second Spring is the second compilation from this Baltimore, Maryland duo.Their first self-titled album was released back in 2009 and garnered a positive response as well. Much like their first, this second album is mostly comprised of weird stringed instruments, trippy vocals and lovely (almost undecipherable) melodies.

The Upstairs: Ku Nobatkan Jadi Fantasi EP

Music is universal. Sometimes you don't need to understand or know a language just to appreciate a song. Take the Indonesian band The Upstairs' debut EP, Ku Nobatkan Jadi Fantasi; just one listen and you'll adore the hipster new wave album even if you have no clue what they're singing about. This album is released under Yes No Wave record and is available for free download under a Creative Commons license. Mixing punk, dance, new wave and plenty of fun, the band released the record in celebration of Jakarta's Independence Day. It served as a present to their fans especially the ones that have been by the band's side since they first started.

Immortal Beats: Sample Your Mind EP

This isn't just the latest compilation from Immortal Beats, it is a compilation that certainly deserves a listen. Sample Your Mind is a 14-track record that combines easy-listening R&B with some smooth vocal samples. Released back in 2010, the album is perfect for those comfy and relaxing nights where you just want to sit back, drink a glass of bubbly with your partner and enjoy the evening. Released back in 2010, the album is perfect for those comfy and relaxing nights where you just want to sit back, drink a glass of bubbly with your partner and enjoy the evening. Immortal Beats is a German producer that definitely knows his way around smooth and ready-to-mingle beats. He has released 5 records so far and each one of them merits a listen. However, if you want something to get you started, Sample Your Mind is a good place to start.